Seeing what's around me in the big world

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Time will tell

I see this tree in the woods whose leaves are changing as fall approaches. In the dark understory of the forest any light colored object stands out. However, this one attracted attention from far off. Walking up on the spot I see the sapling has been bending itself toward a spot in the sky where the branches of the taller trees open up slightly. Opposing its nature to grow straight and tall, this tree moves to where the light strikes it. A straight trunk would leave it in the shadow of its neighbors. By reaching for the light it has placed itself right in the position to glow against the browns and dark greens surrounding it. Will its struggle succeed? Years from now will it bask in the open light of an unbarred sky? Will its leaves always brighten the somber tone of this forest?